French Heritage Days

Every year since 1984, on the third weekend of September, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) takes place. For those two days, many buildings that are usually closed to the public, open their doors for the world to see. About 15,000 architectural masterpieces can be visited throughout France. Some, like L’Elysée, (the home of the President of the Republic, pictured above) are more visited than others.

The house was built between 1718 and 1722 as the residence of Henri-Louis de la Tour d'Auvergne (1679-1753), the Comte d'Evreux. It was named the Élysée when the Duchess of Bourbon owned it in 1797 and since 1874, has been the official residence of all the French Presidents.